Mercedes Calls Back Sprinter Vans, Citing Brake Problem

Mercedes-Benz is recalling a small number of Sprinter vans over a braking problem, the automaker recently told U.S. regulators.

The large vans’ automatic emergency braking systems may malfunction, according to the automaker. Mercedes-Benz blamed defective printed circuit boards in the vans’ front short-range radar systems.

“The object detection might not be sufficiently robust and potentially cause certain driver assistance functions to deactivate without warning,” Mercedes said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Furthermore, autonomous partial or full braking might not be initiated as intended.”

Here is the problem: “Should a driver rely solely on the driver assistance systems, this might increase the risk of a crash,” Mercedes said.

The recall covers 16 Sprinter 2500 vans from model year 2025. Mercedes said it launched an investigation in May after becoming aware of the problem. The automaker is not aware of any warranty claims or accidents related to the defect, it said.

Mercedes plans to notify owners of recalled vans via mail by Dec. 12. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair, replacing the malfunctioning sensors.

Lemon Law Rights for Mercedes Drivers

The recall comes shortly after Mercedes called back some high-end sport utility vehicles over the same problem.

The automaker in October said it would call back a small number of new G-Class SUVs because their automatic emergency braking systems also may fail. Mercedes said at the time that faulty printed circuit boards were to blame.

These kinds of recalls are all too common, even among luxury vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes. Carmakers call back millions of vehicles in the U.S. every year, citing serious defects that increase the risks of accidents. The recalls are often announced long after malfunctioning vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

That is where the California lemon law comes in. You do not need to wait for a defective car to be recalled in order to get it fixed.

The lemon law requires automakers to perform a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or simply decline to fix. 

The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a San Diego Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a San Diego lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a San Diego lemon law attorney.